Chiab Saechao Wins Casino Employees Event At 2012 World Series of Poker

California Dealer Collects $70,859 In Prize Money

The first World Series of Poker tournament of the 2012 summer series came to an end on Monday with Chiab Saechao, a casino employee from Visalia, California, coming out on top for his first gold bracelet and the $70,859 first-place prize.

The $500 buy-in tournament, which was open to all casino employees, attracted a field of 732 players, down slightly from 2011’s turnout of 850. Overall, the event generated a total prize pool of $329,400, which was paid out to the top 81 players.

Just missing out on a final table appearance was WSOP Executive Ty Stewart, who finished in 19th place, cashing for $2,223. The runner up in this event was Patricia Baker, who nearly became the first woman to win a non-ladies event bracelet in three years. Instead, the Little Torch Key, Florida native had to settle for the $43,754 runner up prize after running into two unfortunate hands.

On the first, Saechao was all in holding pocket tens against her A Q. The flop came down Q 3 5, giving her the temporary lead, but the 10 and Q on the turn and river gave the pot and a big double up to Saechao.

On the final hand, Baker was all in on a board of 10 7 2 6 6 holding 9 8 for a turned straight, only to see Saechao call with J 4 for a rivered flush.

Saechao, who originally had planned to only play cash games at the WSOP, changed his mind at the last minute to try his hand at just one bracelet event. The decision proved to be a good one.

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